Recommendations to Improve the Accuracy of Estimates of Physical Activity Derived From Self Report

Abstract

Context Assessment of physical activity using self-report has the potential for measurement error that can lead to incorrect inferences about physical activity behaviors and bias study results. Objective To provide recommendations to improve the accuracy of physical activity derived from self report. Process We provide an overview of presentations and a compilation of perspectives shared by the authors of this paper and workgroup members. Findings We identified a conceptual framework for reducing errors using physical activity self-report questionnaires. The framework identifies six steps to reduce error: (1) identifying the need to measure physical activity, (2) selecting an instrument, (3) collecting data, (4) analyzing data, (5) developing a summary score, and (6) interpreting data. Underlying the first four steps are behavioral parameters of type, intensity, frequency, and duration of physical activities performed, activity domains, and the location where activities are performed. We identified ways to reduce measurement error at each step and made recommendations for practitioners, researchers, and organizational units to reduce error in questionnaire assessment of physical activity. Conclusions Self-report measures of physical activity have a prominent role in research and practice settings. Measurement error can be reduced by applying the framework discussed in this paper.

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“…Aside from the difficulties of recall in self-reported measures 18 , that may impact on the measurement of alcohol and smoking within this study, the measurement of the barriers to exercise also has limitations. At initial assessment the barriers were recorded as barriers that could prevent increasing PA levels.…”

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Nível de atividade física e funcional de crianças atletas

“…Nevertheless, often demonstrate difficulties in meeting the criteria of reliability and validity, recall bias and also by misinterpretation of perguntas. [32][33][34][35] With respect to the data presented in the assessment of functional capacity and respiratory muscle strength between groups, failure to identify significant differences between them points to the need to expand the sample size, considering the expectation that the AG presented superior performance in both tests. In an indian study two groups of adolescents submitted or not to a regular program of physical activities outside the regular class period, from the same school were compared.…”